Impressed with the quality of Indian players: ATK's Helder Postiga

Kolkata: Atletico de Kolkata's (ATK) marquee player, Portuguese international Helder Postiga on Friday said he is impressed with the quality of Indian players in the squad for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

"The (Indian) players were impressive. I am bit surprised too with the good quality here. I think football in India will improve over the next few years," Postiga told reporters here on Friday.

The 33-year-old, the youngest marquee in the league, returned to the city on Thursday with other team members after concluding their pre-season training in Spain.

Speaking about it, he said, "The training in Spain was good, It is an honour for me to play for ATK. I hope I can do well and will try and share my experience with the younger players here."

Asked if he had followed the defending champions last season, Postiga said, "I did not see them live, but yes I watched a few games and few minutes of the final."

The former Valencia striker, who idolises Dutch legend Marco van Basten, also has big shoes to fill, as he has replaced last year's captain Luis Garcia who was impressive in several games.

"Garcia was very good in the league last season. But for me, I have to go into the tournament and make it count, try and do better. I want to enjoy the moment and the football here," said Postiga, who has featured in three FIFA World Cups for his country.

ATK's new marquee also hopes that he will be ably supported by Canadian forward Iain Hume who has been roped in from Kerala Blasters. Hume is a work-horse and can be the perfect feeder for the Portuguese striker.

"Hume is a very good player, he works hard. Hoping for a good partnership," Postiga said.

The ATK management also announced at the event that the team will be practicing at the Mohun Bagan ground for a few days before shifting to the Salt Lake Stadium on October 8.